The President of the Memphis & Charleston
Rail Road (Col Tate) has applied to me to know if I will contract for
the rebuilding of the bridge at Decatur, and two other short bridges
burned between Stevenson & Decatur.

I have replied to him to contract for the rebuilding of
the two short bridges but to defer action on the Decatur Bridge until I
could refer the question to you. Will you please communicate with me on
the subject with as little delay as possible.